Superman

Mainly targeting younger readers, Super Powers #1! is a fun (if lightweight) all-ages comic featuring DC’s big three heroes. Opening in Gotham City where Batman has disappeared, Superman discovers clues leading him to discover Braniac is responsible. With the help of Wonder Woman who traces Braniac to New Krypton, the Big Blue Boy Scout finds and frees the Dark Knight Detective, leaving the heroes to deal with the villain. Personally, because it’s geared to a younger audience, I’m a little disappointed that Baltazar and Aureliani (who tag-team the writing and drawing of the comic) didn’t go for more classic Super Powers or Super Friends costumes of the heroes. Still, kids should enjoy this one. For fans.

Superman‘s (Tyler Hoechlin) time in National City comes to a close as he and Supergirl (Melissa Benoist) team-up to fight Metallo (Frederick Schmidt) and Cadmus (which apparently isn’t so much a secret government organization but a group of mad scientists and very public terrorists). While enjoying her time with Clark saving the day, Kara struggles with her work life as her first day as a reporter doesn’t go as planned. News that Cat Grant (Calista Flockhart) is taking a leave of absence doesn’t help matters any. However, when push comes to shove, Supergirl finds she has plenty of family sticking around starting with her sister Alex (Chyler Leigh) – who is given the opportunity to kick her share of ass in this episode.

With Supergirl moving from CBS and joining the other DC Comics television properties on The CW there were questions about how much the show would change. Picking up just seconds after the First Season finale, Supergirl kicks off its Second Season with a strong opener. The entire core cast returns with some important additions and minor tweaks. First, the DEO has moved from their lonely cave to a downtown skyscraper – and has a new employee in Winn (Jeremy Jordan) who is now in far better position to help Supergirl (Melissa Benoist). Second, the city is now also home to Lena Luthor (Katie McGrath), the stepsister of the world’s wealthiest federal prisoner. And then, of course, there’s Superman.

Written and drawn by Francis Manapul, Trinity #1 focuses on the DCU’s big three: Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman. The most low key of any number one issue following the Rebirth relaunch, the first issue of the new series involves Lois inviting Bruce and Diana to dinner at the farm in order to get to know them (and force Clark to do the same). After a brief misunderstanding with Supes, Jr., things calm down quickly and allow the group to spend some non-life-threatening time together.

The first issue of the comic proves to be a pleasant surprise. With these three characters providing the pillars of the new DCU it’s good to see them together in this kind of setting. Lois and Diana are able to touch on her feelings for her dead Superman without needing to get bogged down in Diana’s loss, while the two heroes are able to get a better feel for the new Kal-El in their world.

The other storyline features Superman having more trouble with the super-villains of Gotham City than he expected. Tricked by the Joker (Jason Spisak), Superman accidentally causes a break-out at Arkham Asylum. Even calling on the help of Cyborg (Khary Payton) and Wonder Woman (Grey Griffin), the heroes struggle to stop the chaos eventually allowing Robin (Scott Menville) to show them what crime-fighting in Gotham is all about.